Try and Stop Me

At the sight of a little pine tree sprouting up through the gravel, I was reminded of love’s insistence. And these stories from ZipMoms inspire me further.

Try and Stop Me…

Gina was having difficulty with her three daughters following a divorce she initiated from their dad. The girls were in their twenties and making Gina pay, big time. Gina didn’t get too rattled over this. We agreed that she should continue to… just love them. Gina moved into a smaller place, left most of what she and her husband had accumulated and began her new life. She was an Italian cook and continued to make her family’s favorite dishes. Gina subscribed to the belief, “If you build it, they will come.” And she did. Gina wasted no time filling her new home with good food, family traditions and a mother’s love. Her daughters eventually came around, literally and figuratively, but not before one of them made this threat: “And when the time comes, you won’t be coming to my wedding!” Gina replied, “Try and stop me.” Her daughter looked puzzled and so Gina continued,“Oh, I’ll be there. I’ll join the wait staff if necessary. But I’ll be there. Try and stop me!”

Always…

Molly acted unlovable. During her early twenties she lied and sometimes she cheated. She failed one class after another and seemed to be her own worst enemy. Molly managed to offend a couple who were close family friends. The couple confronted Molly’s parents about her behavior and, even after she apologized, insisted on talking it through. Molly’s parents knew they were being asked to take sides. After a few difficult conversations between the couples, Molly called for an update. Her mom explained, “We told them you’ve done your part to make things right and we’ll be here if they come around. But until then, we’re standing by you.” Molly could hardly believe her ears, “What did you say?” Her mom reassured her, “You’ve apologized and done what you could to set things straight. We hope Bev and Marty will forgive you but until then, well, you’re our daughter.” Molly replied in disbelief, “You chose me!” Molly’s mom replied, “We’ll always choose you. Always.”

Don’t Test Me…

When our kids were in middle school one of them asked if I’d ever snoop or go through their backpacks. I responded with my Engraved Invitation Lesson: http://tinyurl.com/296l9xf“If I have reason to believe that you’ve under-functioned (at risk due to drugs, alcohol, cheating, stealing, etc.) then I’ll over-function and go through your backpacks, tap phones and call in the Navy Seals, if necessary.” Our daughter looked a bit stunned and asked, “What are you saying?” I clarified, ”I’ll stop at nothing to save your life, so don’t test me.”